APAS: COVID-19 making a bad situation worse for farmers
It’s the middle of April, but nearly 40% of respondents to the Agricultural Producer’s Association of Saskatchewan’s (APAS) most recent farm survey still have unharvested crop left in the field from last year. The weekly survey tracks the ongoing situation for the province’s farmers as they cope with a spring that is even more stressful than usual.
The APAS COVID-19 Farm Survey (April 6-12). Some key survey highlights include:
• 37% of respondents have NOT completed their 2019 harvest
• 32% are experiencing disruptions to the purchase or delivery of farm inputs
• 32% are experiencing disruptions to the sale of their farm products
• 51% of respondents are experiencing above average disruptions to their cell and internet service
To view the complete survey report and the accompanying infographic, please visit apas.ca/survey. Cold weather and recent precipitation in many parts of the province have left farmers unable to get into their fields to complete the 2019 harvest. “It means double the work in a spring when stress is already high in the farm community,” says farmer and APAS President Todd Lewis. “Not only are folks unable to finish their harvest and start seeding, but we’re hearing more and more about how the impacts of COVID-19 are making the situation more difficult.”
A full one third of survey respondents indicated that they are experiencing COVID-19-related disruptions to the purchase and delivery of farm inputs, as well as to the sale and delivery of their farm production. A number of respondents also reported concerns with recent declines in the cattle market. “I was wanting to sell some feeder cattle, but markets have canceled some sales and the prices have been so uncertain,” wrote one producer, echoing the experience of others who are also grappling with falling prices and difficult marketing decisions.
The impact of poor telecommunications was another theme that came out loud and clear in this week’s results. Fifty-one percent of respondents reported higher than average disruptions to cell and internet service, a trend that shines light on a long-standing problem. Respondents to the survey are continuing to report significant cash flow challenges and financial pressure, problems that APAS would like to see addressed through government policy at a time when agriculture is so crucial.
“Just like people in every industry across the country, cash flow is a huge problem for Saskatchewan farmers right now,” says Lewis, noting that of the 37% of respondents who indicated that they are experiencing immediate financial need as a result of COVID-19, an overwhelming 94% identified cash flow as a primary concern. “If you can’t pay your bills and buy your supplies, it’s going to be hard to keep your business afloat. Whether you’re a farmer or not, most everyone can relate to that.”